The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces a fluid found in semen. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate surrounds the urethra — the tube that empties urine from the bladder.

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland and may spread to surrounding structures. While most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, physician can find prostate cancer during a regular checkup, using a combination of a blood test called a PSA and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Nearly one in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. With greater awareness, prostate cancer detection is on the rise and mortality is declining. Moreover, better treatments are allowing more men to return to active and productive lives after treatment.

Treatment options

If you have an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, there is usually a range of treatment options. These may include conservative management, radiation therapy with either external beam or brachytherapy therapy, cryosurgery and prostatectomy – surgical removal of the prostate. Your treatment options will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease, your age and health or personal preference.

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While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

In February 2019, Dr. Rose Mustafa, a fellowship trained breast surgeon who specializes in surgical care for benign diseases and cancer, will be joining the Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care, located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell.

With a reputation for providing advanced care to patients with complex, neurological conditions affecting the brain and spine, Capital Institute for Neurosciences recently welcomed two new advanced specialists, Drs. Vernard Fennell and Varun Naragum, to the Institute’s Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center team. They join neurosurgeon Dr. Michael F. Stiefel in providing some of the latest techniques to care for stroke patients.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, with more than 48,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Because pancreas cancers and precancerous lesions are among the most challenging tumors to diagnose and effectively treat, Capital Health now offers the most advanced screening and treatment options as part of its Center for Digestive Health and Cancer Center, both located at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell.